
fcfc£ 



SDENISON&COMTANY 

CTBL1MRS CHICA 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. 
Price 15c each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, 2y 2 hrs (25c) 8 8 

Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 15 

After the Game, 2 acts, 1%. 

hrs (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 4 4 

All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 

2% hrs (25c) 6 10 

American Hustler, 4 acts, 2y 2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

2'/ 2 hrs (25c) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, 2J4 hrs (25c) 6 14 

Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 h. (25c) 9 3 
Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, Iji hrs. 

(25c) 17 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2J4 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 

Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2^4 h. (25c) 7 4 
Civil Service, 3 acts, 2% hrs. 

(25c) 6 5 

College Town, 3 acts, 2J4 

hrs (25c) 9 8 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs.. 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 

acts, 2^4 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2*4 hrs. 

(25c) 5 5 

Deacon Entangled, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Dream That Came True, 3 

acts, 2ti hrs (25c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr (25c) 10 

Enchanted Wood, 1 H h.(35c).Optnl. 
Everyyouth, 3 acts, 1% h. (25c) 7 6 
Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

Wz hrs (25c) 9 14 

Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 

2 hrs. (25c) 3 5 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 12 

Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 13 4 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 5 2 



M. F. 

In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs : (25c) 6 4 

Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs.. (25c) 5 4 
Jayville Junction, iy 2 hrs.(25e)14 17 
Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 

2% hrs (25c) 10 9 

Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 2% hrs (25c) 6 12 

Laughing Cure, 2 acts, ty\ hrs. 

(25c) 4 5 

Lexington, 4 acts, 2% h..(25c) 9 4 
Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 254 hrs. 

(15c) 7 4 

Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 
Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 . 

hrs (25c) 5 2 

Mirandy's Minstrels. ... (25c) Optnl. 
Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown, 3 

acts, 2% hrs (25c) 4 7 

New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr.... 3 6 
Old Maid's Club, \y 2 hrs. (25c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

\y A hrs (25c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

2% hrs ;...(25c)10 4 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr . 6 4 
Parlor Matches, 2 acts, 1J4 hrs. 

(25c) 4 5 

Poor Married Man, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2j4 h.(25c) 7 4 

Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 10 12 

Savageland, 2 acts, 2y 2 hrs. (50c) 5 .5 
School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1^4 lirs. 6 5 
Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 
Sewing for the Heathen, 40 min. 9 
Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 

Star Bright, 3 acts, 2 l / 2 h. T5c) 6 5 
•Teacher, Kin I Go Home? 2 

scenes, 35 min 7 3 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 9 16 

Tonv, the Convict, 5 acts, 2 l /z 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Town Marshal, 4 acts, 2 '4 

hrs (25c) 6 3 

Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2 l /i hrs. 

(25c) 6 18 

Trip to Storyland, \% hrs.(25c) 17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 8 3 
Under Blue Skies, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 10 

Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
When the Circus Came to 

Town, 3 acts, 2 l / 4 hrs. (25c) 5 3 



T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W.RandolphSt., Chicago 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 



A COMEDY DRAMA 

in three acts 

For Camp Fire Girls 

BY 

LINDSEY BARBEE 

AUTHOR OF 

"After the Game," "All On a Summer's Day" "At the End of the 

Rainbow," "By Way of the Secret Passage," "The Dream That 

Came True" "The Fifteenth of January," "The Kingdom of 

Heart's Content," "The Promise of Tomorrow" "Sing a Song 

of Seniors," "Then Greek Met Greek," "The Thread of 

Destinv," "Tomorrow) at Ten" "A Trial of Hearts," 

"Whin the Clock Strikes Twelve," "The Whole Truth," 

"In the College Days," "Little Men and Women 

in Stageland," etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 









oh: 



THE CALL OP WOHELO 

Ellen Ferris Guardian of the Camp 

Mrs. Vale Camp Mother 

Blue Bird (Owaissa — Blue Bird) . . .Her Young Daughter 

Wah-wah-taysee (Firefly) An Indian Girl 

Sylvia (Wayaka—See Beauty) A Camp "Misfit" 

Amy (Kee-zvcc — Rainbow Maid) A Torch Bearer 

Marian (Disyadi — Moon Maid) A Fire Maker 

Emily (Minnehaha — Laughing Water) .A Wood Gatherer 
Constance (Gaoh — Spirit of the Wind) .A Wood Gatherer 
Dorothy (To-he-ha — Humming Bird) . .A Wood Gatherer 



Scene — A Summer Camp of the Camp Fire Girls. 



Time — The Present. 



Time of Playing — About One and Three-quarter Hours. 



Act I. The Mysterious Indian Maiden. 

Act II. The Capture of the Ghost. Two Weeks Later. 

Act III. The Council Fire. The Following Night. 



Setting — A part of the zvoods near the Camp. 



COPYRIGHT, 1917, by eben h. norris. 
(Sr.m 46601 



APR 18 1917 




i^o / 



THE CALL OF WOHELCX 



SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. 

Act I — Blue Bird runs errands for the busy Camp Fire 
girls, among whom Sylvia alone is idle. Sylvia is declared 
a Camp "misfit" and Miss Ferris decides to make one last 
effort to interest her in Camp Fire life. A visitor, Miss 
Marshall, a noted Camp Fire worker, is promised and Amy 
tells a ghost story in which she herself is heroine. Wah- 
wah-taysee chants magic words and Sylvia promises to seek 
"the treasure." 

Act II — Under Wah-wah-taysee's tutelage Sylvia be- 
comes a very different girl, but the intimacy with the Indian 
brings criticism from her Camp Fire friends. The mention 
of Amy's ghost produces peals of laughter,' for constant 
watching has failed to detect "The Lady in White." Miss 
Ferris announces that Miss Marshall will be present at the 
Council Fire. Amy persuades Marian and Sylvia to keep 
a last vigil for the ghost and they consent. Constance's 
money disappears and suspicion turns to the Indian. Wah- 
wah-taysee sends a message. The ghost proves something 
of a sensation. 

Act III — The Council Fire. Miss Marshall and the Indian 
are discovered to be the same. Wah-wah-taysee tells her 
story and Sylvia is admitted to the rank of Wood Gatherer. 



STORY OF THE PLAY. 

The Camp Fire girls declare that Sylvia is a Camp 
"misfit," for she has been in their midst for two months 
and has shown no inclination to engage in their sports and 
tasks. Miss Ferris, the Guardian of the Camp, explains 
that Sylvia has been placed in her charge for the express 
purpose of bringing her out of herself and introducing her 
to the big out-of-door world of which she knows nothing, 
and she also adds that, as guardian, she feels especially 
responsible and particularly discouraged. The prospective 
visit of Miss Marshall is discussed with great excitement 
by the girls, for Miss Marshall is a well-known and enthu- 



4 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

siastic Camp Fire worker, who is not only beautiful but 
talented and wealthy. As a happy diversion comes the 
entrance of Wah-wah-taysee (Firefly), an Indian maiden, 
who, according to Miss Ferris, has been found camping near 
by and who has promised to give whatever help is needed 
in weaving and basketry. Pretending to be gifted with sec- 
ond sight, Wah-wah-taysee speaks a few clever, well-timed 
words as each girl is introduced to her, and declares that 
to Sylvia is given the opportunity of finding a treasure. Syl- 
via is immediately bewitched by the charm of the stranger, 
and under Wah-wah-taysee's teaching she becomes a most 
alert and interested student of forest and Indian lore, to 
whom a "treasure" has been promised and will be revealed. 
At the impressive Council Fire, Miss Ferris announces that 
the long-looked-for Miss Marshall is with them and to the 
girls' surprise Wah-wah-taysee enters the circle. To their 
further amazement she tells them that she has assumed this 
disguise at the request of Miss Ferris in order to show Sylvia 
the true meaning of the Camp Fire life, and to lead her to 
the treasure of the hidden romance and adventure in every- 
day life. Sylvia's name and honors are then conferred upon 
her and she is admitted to the rank of Wood Gatherer. 

As a sub-plot comes the excitement caused by Amy's 
ghost, which she sees for three successive nights, and for 
which the girls decide to keep watch. After holding vigil 
for some nights they fail to see the specter and declare that 
Amy has dreamed it all ; but Amy insists that her story is 
true and as a last test persuades Sylvia and Marian to keep 
watch with her. They discover that the ghost is Constance, 
whose excessive desire for exercise has caused her to walk 
in her sleep, and whose constant anxiety for the camp funds, 
of which she is custodian, results in her hiding the money 
box in an old hollow tree during one of her nightly peram- 
bulations. 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 



CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Mrs. Vale — Pleasant and dignified. 

Miss Ferris — Of great poise and presence. Older than 
th.e other Camp Fire members. 

Blue Bird — Sweet, quiet and alert to please. Under 
twelve years of age. 

Wah-wah-taysee — Of great charm and beauty, with an 
air of mystery. 

Sylvia — Languid and spoiled in Act I ; completely changed 
in following acts. 

Amy and Marian — Older than the other girls and more 
dignified. 

Emily, Constance, Dorothy — Gay, talkative and light- 
hearted. 

All the Camp Fire girls wear the usual sport clothes in 
Acts I and II — middy blouses with dark skirts or bloomers. 
Sylvia, in Act I, wears high-heeled slippers. In Act III 
they all wear the ceremonial gowns — light-weight khaki 
trimmed with brown leather fringe, with bead headbands 
and necklaces or trimmings of honor beads. In the last part 
of Act II, Amy, Marian and Sylvia wear heavy coats or 
sweaters, and Constance, as the ghost, is attired in a white 
kimono or bathrobe, with a motor veil around her head. 

Mrs. Vale — Wears a plain summer morning gown. 

Miss Ferris — A sport suit in Acts I and II and ceremo- 
nial gown in Act III. 

Wah-wah-taysee — Complete Indian costume. 



PROPERTIES. 

Act I — Large tree ; hillock ; boulder ; tree stump ; shrub- 
bery trees (preferably pines) ; camp stool; crocheting and 
letters for Mrs. Vale ; books for Amy, Sylvia and Blue 
Bird ; small box, paper, pencil and red account book for 



6 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Constance ; shirtwaist and sewing bag for Dorothy ; basket 
for Emily. 

Act II — Beaded headband, money and electric flashlight 
for Sylvia ; basket for Wah-wah-taysee ; large pails of ber- 
ries ; electric flashlights for Amy and Marian ; wrist watch 
for Amy ; small pails for Emily, Constance and Dorothy ; 
money box for Constance ; bundles for Miss Ferris. 

Act III — Lighted lanterns for girls ; unlighted candle and 
match for Miss Ferris ; candles for Amy, Marian and Sylvia ; 
two sticks of wood for Amy ; faggots for Emily, Constance 
and Dorothy; paper for Amy; head band, ring, necklace 
and basket of beads for Wah-wah-taysee. 

The three Wood Gatherers should wear the Wood Gath- 
erer ring and have the emblem (logs ready to kindle) on 
the right arm. Marian, the Fire Maker, should wear the 
Fire Maker bracelet and the emblem (orange and red) on 
the right arm. Amy, the Torch Bearer, should have the 
pin and the emblem (touch of white). 



Scene Plot. 



/Trees __ /~\ 

-*- ^ /^\ Hollow Tree W 



O 



13 Hlltook 



/~\ Hollow Tree O \ 



/ Tree stum P Stone <^ \ 

Note: — Arc electric bulb should be placed under the fagots in 
Act 3, to simulate fire. If this is impossible, use merely the pretense 
of lighting. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of the stage ; C, center ; R. C, right cen- 
ter; L., left; 1 E., first entrance; U. E., upper entrance; 
R. 3 E., right entrance up stage, etc.; R. D., right door; 
L. D., left door, etc. ; up stage, away from footlights ; down 
stage, near footlights. The actor is supposed to be facing 
the audience. 



THE GALL OF WOHELO 



Act I. 



Scene: The woods near the summer camp of a group 
of Camp Fire Girls. Full stage and woodland drop. En- 
trances R. U. E. and down L. Trees down R. and at 
R. U. E. Small hillock down C. and camp stool R. of 
hillock. Large trees L. U. E. and large stone or boulder 
L. 2 E. Tree stump R. 2 E. Trees, shrubbery, etc. 

At rise stage is well illuminated since it is morning. Dis- 
covered, Mrs. Vale, seated on camp stool, crocheting; Amy 
on hillock, reading; Constance at foot of tree L. U. E., 
busily engaged with pencil and paper; Dorothy on stone 
L. 2 E., sewing on shirtwaist ; Emily on tree stump R. 2 E., 
weaving a basket; Blue Bird at C, reading. 

Dorothy (holding up shirtwaist). There! It's clone — ■ 
and I defy anybody to make a better one. 

Emily (glancing up). Distance lends enchantment, my 
dear Dot. 

Dorothy. Not in this case. Why, Emily, every but- 
tonhole is a thing- of beauty. Blue Bird! (Blue Bird looks 
up.) Take it over to your mother, won't you? (Blue Bird 
rises with reluctance.) That's a good girl! (Sighs.) I'm 
too tired to move. (Blue Bird takes waist to Mrs. Vale.) 

Emily. Tired! What about Blue Bird? If that child 
had a cyclometer attached to her she'd register a hundred 
miles. 

Dorothy. Exercise is good for her young bones. By 
the time she's a Camp Fire member she'll be a regular wiz. 
(To Mrs. Vale.) What do you think of my fairy stitches? 

Mrs. Vale. They're really beautiful, Dorothy. Many a 
lovely thought must have been interwoven to make them 
so perfect. 

Emily. I'm not so sure about the lovely thoughts. I 

7 



8 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

happened to be with her when she cut both sleeves for the 
same arm. 

Blue Bird (returning to her fanner position). I know 
what she said when the collar wouldn't fit. 

Dorothy. Dear me ! How I am advertised by my loving 
friends ! ( Yawns.) Blue Bird, would you just as soon bring 
it back to me? (Blue Bird rises, returns shirtwaist to 
Dorothy and seats herself again at C.) 

Constance. Blue Bird, would you mind getting my 
little red account book? (Blue Bird rises.) It's in the 
table drawer — no, in my handkerchief box. (Blue Bird 
starts toward R.) Wait a minute. (Blue Bird stops.) 
I believe I left it in my coat pocket. You might look in all 
three places. (Exit Blue Bird, R. U. E.) How much is 
eight times seven? (Before anyone can answer.) There! 
I knew you couldn't answer. 

Dorothy. Suppose you give us a chance. 

Amy (laying aside her book). It used to be fifty-six when 
I had the task of camp treasurer. It's good practice, Con- 
stance. Keep your books balanced and you'll bring honor 
to the family. 

Constance. I'm not half so particular about the honor 
the family gets as I am about that big yellow bead that's 
coming my way. 

Emily. Maybe! It's not safe to count your beads before 
they're strung. 

Constance. It's safe in this case. Why I've slaved over 
my accounts and I've spent sleepless nights worrying about 
this money box. 

Mrs. Vale (protestingly). But, my dear — 

Constance. Oh, I know it's a perfectly safe camp, but, 
just the same, something might happen, and if it did I'd 
get the blame. 

Amy. Poor old Con. She tries a new hiding place each 
day and — 

Enter Blue Bird from R. U. E. 

Blue Bird. I can't find your book anywhere. 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 9 

Constance. Oh, dear — oh dear — where could I have 
put it ! 
. Blue Bird. Maybe it's in the hot water bag. 

Constance. No, I remember taking it out of that. Never 
mind, Blue Bird. (Rises.) I'll go myself. I need the exer- 
cise anyway. (Exit R. U. E.) 

Amy (as Blue Bird returns to her book at C). Taking 
exercise seems to be her hobby, doesn't it? 

Dorothy. Worse than hobby — for you can ride a hobby, 
and poor old Con almost walks her feet off. 

Emily. Gets up before breakfast to do her Marathon. 

Dorothy. That's not the worst of it. Some nights when 
she's half asleep she takes a notion that she hasn't walked 
off an extra pound and immediately trots 'round and 'round 
the camp. 

Amy. If she perseveres she'll live up to her name — 
Spirit of the Wind. 

Dorothy. Spirit of the Wind ! (Chuckles.) She's still 
got some to go ! 

Emily. I'm going to change my name. 

Dorothy. Who's the happy man? 

Emily. Don't be silly, Dot. 

Mrs. Vale. What's the matter with Laughing Water? 
It suits you, my dear. 

Emily. But it doesn't suit my basket. I want a name 
that can be illustrated, and who can illustrate Laughing 
Water ? 

Dorothy. Just weave in some nice grinny little wave- 
lets — simplest thing in the world. 

Emily. Now your name is easy — anybody could weave 
a humming bird. 

Dorothy. Well, I'm thinking of changing one letter in 
my name. After looking at this (holding up the shirtwaist) 
nothing but hemming bird seems appropriate. 

Amy (waving off L.). Here's Marian! 

Enter Marian down L. 
Dorothy. Hello, Maid Marian! How's Robin Hood? 



10 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Marian (sinking on ground by Amy). Fine! Sends his 
love to the crowd and begs you to make use of Sherwood 
Forest whenever the spirit moves you. 

Mrs. Vale. Where have you been all morning? 

Marian. Canoeing. Look at my nose. (Wrinkles her 
nose.) Picking flowers — look at my hands (holds out her 
hands). Tramping — look at my feet! (Stretches out her 
feet.) 

Amy. Such ambition ! At this rate you'll be rattling with 
honor beads. 

Marian (patting Amy's hand). Even then I can't come 
up to you in your exalted position of Torch Bearer. 

Amy. Oh, yes you can — for between a Torch Bearer and. 
a Fire Maker there is only the difference of — 

Marian. A few dozen superhuman efforts. Don't be- 
little your pinnacle, my dear. 

Mrs. Vale (putting away her crocheting). Experience 
has taught me that an athletic morning produces an athletic 
appetite. 

Marian (laughing) . Experience is a wise teacher. 

Mrs. Vale. So — I'll interview the cook. {Rises as — ,) 

Constance enters R. U. E., with small red book. 

Mrs. Vale. Well, Constance, I see you found it. (All 
girls stand until Mrs. Vale goes off at R. U. E.) 

Constance (at C). And where do you think it was? 
Right on the table underneath the blotter with a pile of 
books on top of it. Funny you didn't see it, Blue Bird. 

Blue Bird. I think it would be funny if I had seen it. 

Amy (ris .g and zvalking to tree L. U. E., and peeping 
in). Why don't you use the hollow tree for your treasures? 
Nobody would ever suspect such a hiding place. 

Marian. Nobody except the members of this camp. 
When I peeked in this morning I distinctly noticed — a side 
comb — 

Amy (holding up her hand). Mine! 

Marian. And a book of fairy tales — 

Blue Bird. Mine! (Holds up her hand.) 

Marian. A darning egg — 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 11 

Dorothy (holding up her hand). Mine! 

Marian. A bathing cap — 

Emily (holding up her hand). Mine! 

Marian. And a box of candy. (Silence. Each one 
looks at the other.) Now — who's guilty? 

Constance (seating herself at the foot of tree, L. U.E.). 
Oh — that's Sylvia's. It came yesterday afternoon. 

Blue Bird. And she's eating it now, all stretched out 
comfortable under a tree. 

Amy (returning to hillock and seating herself). Candy! 
What heresy ! 

Blue Bird. And a silly novel, too. I saw it. 

Dorothy. How do you know it's silly? 

Blue Bird. It's about lovers. 

Marian (laughingly). Well spoken, my suffragette ! 
Now who sent her the candy? 

Blue Bird. It's a secret, she says. 

Emily. Then she probably sent it to herself. 

Constance (rapturously). Candy! I wonder what would 
happen if I ate a piece. 

Dorothy. You would gain a pound — don't try it. 

Amy. What are we to do with Sylvia? 

Marian. I don't see that it is up to us to do anything. 

Amy. But she's such a misfit. 

Marian. Miss Ferris knows that as well as we. 

Emily. She's certainly not interested in us. 

Dorothy. Nor in outdoor sports. 

Constance. She's been in the Camp Fire for two 
months — 

Emily. And she's never even made an effort to gain an 
honor. 

Dorothy. Nor to become a Wood Gatherer. With Em, 
Con and me as shining examples, I'd think she'd break her 
neck to join. £ ^ Migs Ferris ^ R ^ £ _ 

Miss Ferris. Greeting, my braves ! (All stand.) You all 
look so luxuriously lazy that I'm tempted to ask- how well 
you've been living up to the seven Camp Fire essentials. 



12 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Amy. Pursue knowledge ! {Holds up her book.) Behold ! 

Constance. Be trustworthy. (Shakes money box.) 

Marian. Hold on to health. Look at me ! 

Dorothy. Glorify work. (Holds up shirtwaist.) I've 
done it! 

Emily. Be happy. (Smiles beamingly.) Watch my 
smile ! 

Blue Bird. Give service. I've run errands all day. 

Miss Ferris (counting). One — two — three — four — five — 
six! One more essential — seek beauty. Who has special- 
ized in that? (No one answers.) Well, we'll leave that to 
Sylvia. By the way, where is Sylvia? 

Amy (as she pushes Miss Ferris on camp stool). Rest- 
ing, I believe. 

Miss Ferris. Resting? From what? 

Marian (sitting on hillock). From herself, I suppose. 
Nobody else has been with her. 

(Silence for a few moments, during which Amy and Con- 
stance seat themselves under tree L. U. E.; Emily and 
Dorothy on stone at L. 2 E.; Blue Bird picks up her book 
at C. and sits at Miss Ferris' feet.) 

Miss Ferris (sighing). What are we to do with her, 
girls ? 

Amy. We've just asked ourselves that very question, 
Miss Ferris, and there seems to be no answer. We've done 
our best to make her one of us, but to no avail. 

Constance. She's not happy — that's quite evident. 

Miss Ferris. But is she unhappy? 

Dorothy. Just indifferent — she doesn't care one way or 
the other. 

Miss Ferris. I've tried so hard to interest her and I 
feel so worried over the result of it all, since Sylvia was en- 
trusted to me with the hope that I could open the big world 
of nature to her and get her away from the narrow artificial 
life she's always led. 

Amy. Still it's the life she likes — 

Miss Ferris. But not the life she needs — and her mother 
hoped that this summer in the camp would inspire her to 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 13 

form habits of strength and vigor and would awaken a love 
of out-of-door freedom and out-of-door spirit. I've failed 
—that's all. 

Marian. Don't say that, Miss Ferris. You're not look- 
ing at it from the right standpoint. 

Miss Ferris. What other standpoint can there be ? The 
Camp Fire has been tested and found wanting. 

Amy. Rather let us say that Sylvia has been found 
wanting. 

Miss Ferris. There's just one more chance that we may 
win her. 

Marian (eagerly). And that? 

Miss Ferris (hastily). I'll tell you later. (Changing h-er 
tone.) Now for a surprise! 

Blue Bird (clapping her hands). A surprise ! A surprise ! 

Enter Sylvia at R. U. E. 

Sylvia. Who has a surprise ? Do tell it. (Sinks wearily 
on stump.) My, but I'm tired! 

Miss Ferris. If you've been walking in those high-heeled 
slippers, Sylvia, it's no wonder that you're tired. 

Sylvia. Oh, it isn't that kind of tired; it's the kind that 
comes when there's nothing to do. 

Amy (in surprise). Nothing to do? 

Sylvia. Nothing that I want to do. 

Amy. Take an early swim for that tired feeling. 

Sylvia (shivering). Ugh! 

Marian. Or go canoeing. 

Sylvia (complacently). I can't afford to risk my com- 
plexion. 

Constance (shaking box). Try my job for a while. 

Sylvia (crushingly). Do school work in summer? Not 
much, 

Dorothy (displaying waist). Try your hand at sewing. 

Sylvia (peevishly). The very sight of a _ needle gets 
on my nerves. Anyway, mother has all my sewing done for 
me — wh.at's the use of my bothering? 



14 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Dorothy. Don't you ever want to do things for your- 
self? 

Sylvia. Not when I can get other people to do them 
for me. 

Emily. I'll be glad to teach you basket weaving. 

Sylvia. It's too hard on the hands. (Graciously.) 
Thank you just the same. 

Amy (extending book). Try my book — you'll like it. 

Sylvia. Oh, I haven't finished my own. (Holds out her 
own book.) This is all about duchesses and princes and 
ladies-in-waiting. 

Dorothy. Why on earth don't you read about common, 
everyday people whom you're likely to meet? 

Sylvia. Common, everyday people aren't interesting. 

Emily. How do you know that duchesses and princes 
and ladies-in-waiting are interesting? You've never known 
any and aren't likely to know them. 

Sylvia. But I can hope to know them. (Loftily.) One 
must have ideals, you know. 

Blue Bird. We're forgetting all about the surprise, Miss 
Ferris. 

Miss Ferris. So we are. Well, here's my bit of news. 
(Impressively.) Miss Marshall is coming to visit us. 

Amy (eagerly). Margaret Marshall? 

Miss Ferris. Margaret Marshall — the Miss Marshall — 
and my best friend. 

Constance. When is she coming? 

Miss Ferris. Sometime soon. We'll have a Council Fire 
while she is here. 

Dorothy (clasping her hands). And she'll see us get our 
honor beads. Splendid ! 

Sylvia (curiously) . And who is Miss Marshall? 

Miss Ferris. A young woman with, many gifts — wealth, 
beauty, cleverness and charm — who has used them all in 
Camp Fire service. You must have heard of her, Sylvia, 
for she comes from your own city. 

Sylvia (quickly). Not Miss Marshall, the heiress? 

Miss Ferris. The same. 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 15 

Sylvia. But why should anyone who has money — and 
social position and — (hesitates) 

Miss Ferris. Find interest in the Camp Fire work? Is 
that what you mean ? Because she realizes that true beauty, 
romance and adventure are found in daily work ; that one's 
power is measured by what she can do for the community ; 
that narrow restrictions of social life cannot make for train- 
ing of character. Do you understand me, dear ? 

Sylvia (slowly). I — think — I — do. 

Miss Ferris. Look around you for unknown treasures ; 
see beauty in the common tasks of everyday ; learn to read 
the book of Mother Nature, and — (rises) dear me — I'm 
beginning to preach and it's too near lunch time to expect 
my audience to listen. (Waves her hand as she goes off 
R. U. E.) Till later! 

(Blue Bird rises, crosses and stands back of Sylvia.) 

Emily (rising and walking to C). Good gracious! It 
positively gives me stage fright when I think of receiving 
my honor bead with the distinguished Miss Marshall stand- 
ing by. 

Dorothy. You seem pretty confident of that honor bead. 

Emily. Why shouldn't I? (Holds up basket.) Look at 
this basket ! 

Constance (critically). It doesn't balance. 

Emily. Neither do your accounts. It isn't wobbly, is it, 
Amy? (Amy, who has risen, is leaning on tree with back 
to audience.) Amy? (No answer.) Amy? (Amy turns.) 
Why, you're a hundred miles away ! 

Amy (coming to her and putting an arm about her shoul- 
der). Only in my thoughts. 

Emily. I'll trade you a penny for them. 

Amy. They're worth more than that. 

Dorothy. Then let's have them. 

Amy (after a moment). I'm afraid. 

Constance. Afraid ? 

Amy. Afraid you'll laugh. 

Marian (coming to Amy's left). Why, Amy, what do 
vou mean? 



16 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Amy. Marian, have I ever been flighty — or superstitious 
— or imagined things? 

Marian. Why of course not. 

Amy (anxiously). And there's no sign of any mental 
derangement, is there? 

Marian (slipping her arm through Amy's). Why you 
funny old thing ! Why do you ask such ridiculous questions ? 

Amy. Because — (pauses) I've seen a ghost! (Silent as- 
tonishment.) Thank you all for not laughing. 

Blue Bird. But I thought there was no such thing as a 
ghost. 

Amy. So did I. 

Sylvia. What was it? 

Amy. That's what I don't know. 

Marian. Tell us about it 

Amy. I saw it three nights ago — the first time. 

Constance. The first time? (Rises. Dorothy does the 
same, crosses and seizes Constance's arm convulsively.) 
Stop holding me, Dot, or I'll scream. (They stand at Ma- 
rian's left.) 

Amy. I was writing in my diary — long after you people 
had gone to bed — and the — thing — passed my window. 

Blue Bird. How did it look? 

Amy. 'Twas tall — rather tall — with a loose white gar- 
ment and a floating white veil. 

Sylvia. And what did you do? 

Amy. Nothing — for I naturally thought it was either 
the cook or one of you people making a call upon your 
neighbors. 

Dorothy. Why, Amy, we never do that here. 

Amy. Of course not — and if I hadn't been so sleepy 
I would have reasoned it out. But as it was — I just crawled 
into bed. Then — the next night — 

Constance. Again? (Dorothy looks back of her.) 
Stop looking over your shoulder, Dot — it gets on my nerves. 

Amy. Again. This time I wakened — I don't know why 
— and saw it pass my window. I threw on a kimono — 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 17 

and stepped out on the porch — but my ghostly friend was 
just disappearing into the shrubbery. 

Emily. Did you follow her — him — it — whatever it is? 

Amy. Hardly. But last night I kept watch — right here. 
{Everyone looks nervously around.) 

Constance. Don't jump so, Dot. I wouldn't be a bit 
afraid if it weren't for you. 

Sylvia {excitedly) . Go on, Amy — go on! 

Amy. I waited — and waited — hours it seemed. Sud- 
denly, as I turned, there it was — almost behind me. 

Emily. Did you catch it? 

Constance {disgustedly). Catch air? Ghosts are air. 

Amy. This one seemed substantial — but I didn't catch 
it. I was too paralyzed to move. 

Marian. What did it do? 

Amy. Went swiftly along the path to the house, glided 
up the front steps and hurried down the left side of the 
porch to the far end, where it disappeared. 

Constance {wildly). My room, Dot — my room! 

Amy. That's my story — and the ghost will probably turn 
out to be something very matter-of-fact and easily ex- 
plained. But I'm glad I've told you, for I don't want to 
worry Miss Ferris with it, and the whole thing puzzled me. 
Will you all help to solve the mystery? 

Enter Miss Ferris at R. U. E. 

All. We will ! 

Miss Ferris. Dear me! What is it? A mass meeting? 
Or a suffragette chorus? 

Emily. We're just swearing a swear — that's all. {Takes 
Miss Ferris by the hand and leads her to their midst.) 

Miss Ferris. I hope it isn't so profane as it sounds, and 
that you don't mind being interrupted by another surprise. 

Amy. Try us and see. 

Miss Ferris. Suppose I should say that this surprise 
can be produced by the mere snapping of my fingers. 

Sylvia. Then we would say that you had all the tricks 
of the vaudeville magician. 



18 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Miss Ferris. Then — watch! (Raises her voice.) Stand 
forth, Wah-wah-taysee — Firefly! (Snaps fingers.) 
Enter Wah-wah-taysee at L. 
Blue Bird (after a pause). Oh., Miss Ferris — is she a 
truly Indian? 

Miss Ferris. Doesn't she look like a truly Indian? I 
found her camping near here. She has been educated on 
the reservation — and has promised to come daily so that 
you may ask her all about weaving, basketry and Indian 
lore. 

Emily (clasping her hands). How splendid! 
Miss Ferris. But that isn't all. (Turns and whispers.) 
She has the gift of second sight, and as I call you by name 
she will look below the surface and tell you what is mir- 
rored there. (Tunis and crosses to Wah-wah-taysee, 
standing at her right.) These are my Camp Fire maidens. 
Wah-wah-taysee — chant your magic words to each as she 
comes to you. (Calls.) Keewee — Rainbow! 

(Amy advances and stands in front of Wah-wah-taysee, 
who gazes steadfastly at her for a few moments, then speaks 
as if in a dream.) 

Wah-wah-taysee. Hands that bear a torch of beauty, 
Heart that burns with flame of friendship, 
Eyes th.at see full many a vision. 

(Amy stands at Miss Ferris' right.) 
Miss Ferris. Disyadi — Moon Maiden! (Marian ad- 
vances. ) 

Wah-wah-taysee. Nature whispers you her story, 
Tells you many a hidden secret, 
Loves you for your understanding. 

(Marian withdraws to Amy's right.) 
Miss Ferris. Gaoh — Spirit of the Wind ! (Constance 
advances.) 

Wali-wah-taysee. Countless steps you take each morn- 
ing, 
Countless coins slip through your fingers, 
Countless worries do they bring you. 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 19 

(Constance withdraws to Marian's right.) 
Miss Ferris. To-he-ha — Humming Bird! (Dorothy 
advances.) 

Wah-wah-taysee. Wood you gather for the Council, 
Seven laws you strive to follow, 
Many a colored bead you covet. 
(Dorothy withdraws to Constance's right.) 
Miss Ferris. Minnehaha — Laughing Water! (Emily 
advances.) 

Wah-wah-taysee. When you weave your pretty baskets, 
In and out you weave your sunshine, 
And your smile, oh Laughing Water ! 
(Emily withdraws to Dorothy's right.) 
Miss Ferris. Owaissa — Blue Bird! (Blue Bird ad- 
vances.) 

Wah-wah-taysee. Willing heart means loving service, 
Willing feet bear wings of gladness, 
Willing hands are magic scepters. 
(Blue Bird runs to Emily and takes her hand.) 
Miss Ferris. Sylvia! 

(Sylvia, zvho has been standing by the stump, advances 
slowly. Wah-wah-taysee eagerly meets her halfway.) 
Wah-wah-taysee. In your eyes there is the shadow 
And the sunshine and the message 
That 'tis you must find the treasure. 
Enter Mrs. Vale at R. U. E. with her hands full of 
letters, papers, etc. 
Mrs. Vale. Letters! 

(All but Sylvia and Wah-wah-taysee rush to her. The 
Indian draws Sylvia to front of stage.) 

Sylvia. What treasure — what do you mean? 
Wah-wah-taysee. The treasure that can never be 
taken away — that is more precious than jewels — that brings 
joy and peace and contentment. 

Sylvia (ant h curiosity). Is it beauty? 
Wali-wah-taysee. Beauty can be taken away. 
Sylvia. Wealth ? 



20 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Wah-wah-taysee. Wealth does not bring contentment. 

Sylvia. Fame ? 

Wah-wah-taysee. Fame does not satisfy. 

Sylvia. And why should / seek it? 

Wah-wah-taysee. Because — 'tis written so in the stars. 

Sylvia. I do not understand you. (Draws away.) I 
do not believe that there is a treasure ! 

Wah-wah-taysee (dramatically). I — Wah-wah-taysee — 
swear it — by the spirit of my fathers, by the fireflies that 
light my way, by the power of revelation which is given 
me. I swear it! (Goes closer to Sylvia.) 

Sylvia. You look at me so strangely. 

Wah-wah-taysee (in a whisper). Because I am asking 
you to let me guide you. 

Sylvia (in surprise). Guide me? 

Wah-wah-taysee. To a world you do not know — where 
the flowers, the birds, the stream and the woods will all 
whisper the hiding place of the treasure. (After a pause.) 
Will you come? 

Sylvia (yielding to an impulse and holding out her hand). 
I'll come ! (Wah-wah-taysee takes her outstretched hand.) 

(Curtain falls on the girls reading their letters and Miss 
Ferris eagerly zvatching Sylvia and Wah-wah-taysee.) 

Curtain. 



Act II. 



Scene: Same as Act I zvith exception of camp stool. 
Stage is illuminated for late afternoon. 

At rise Wah-wah-taysee and Sylvia are seated on 
ground at C, Wah-wah-taysee weaving a basket and 
Sylvia working on a bead head band. As curtain rises they 
are crooning an Indian song. 

Sylvia. I like your Indian songs and your Indian sto- 
ries, Firefly, and most of all I like the clever Indian ways 
that you've taught me. Why, if I were ever to be cast on 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 21 

a desert island, I could build a fire and cook a meal as well 
as anybody. 

Wah-wah-taysee. But you could have learned all those 
things without my help. Your Camp Fire teaches them. 

Sylvia. I could but I zuouldn't. In fact, I didn't want 
to learn — until you came. 

Wah-wah-taysee. And why? 

Sylvia. Because — oh, well — {bending toward her) Fire- 
fly, you've cast a spell over me and I might as well acknowl- 
edge it. 

Wah-wah-taysee {earnestly) . But when I go away will 
the spell be lifted? 

Sylvia. It can't be lifted, for the woods and the flowers 
and the birds have become real friends to me — and that kind 
of friendship stays with one always, doesn't it? 

Wah-wah-taysee. It can never be taken away. 

Sylvia. You said that about the treasure. By the way, 
Firefly, when shall I find the treasure? 

Wah-wah-taysee. Soon, Sylvia, soon. I promise you. 

Sylvia {seriously). Firefly, do you really see into the 
future ? 

Wah-wah-taysee. As far as it is given to me to see. 

Sylvia. And do you really understand magic? 

Wah-wah-taysee. The magic of everyday. {As Syl- 
via is silent.) Why do you ask? 

Sylvia. Because — well, some way, I don't understand 
you, Firefly. You don't seem like an Indian. Why, if I 
didn't know better, I'd say you were an American. 

Wah-wah-taysee. I am an American. My fathers and 
my fathers' fathers roamed this country before your people 
chose it for their landing place. 

Sylvia. So they did — but I've never thought of it in 
that way. Then you're the real American and I'm just a 
poor imitation. 

Wah-wah-taysee. Some imitations can't be told from 
the real thing. {Takes head band from Sylvia.) This, for 
example. 

Sylvia {complacently). It is good-looking, isn't it? 



22 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Won't the girls be surprised when they know that I'm in- 
tending to be a Wood Gatherer? 

Wah-wah-taysee. And won't Miss Ferris be happy! 

Sylvia. I should have done it for her weeks ago. I 
realize it now and I'm sorry. You are responsible for 
awakening a sleepy conscience, Firefly. (As Wah-wah- 
taysee protests.) And you're going to be responsible for 
just one thing before I let you go. 

Wah-wah-taysee. And that? 

Sylvia. My name. I want a name that will mean all 
the beautiful things you have been teaching me — that will 
remind me of all — this — (looks around) whenever I hear 
it spoken. 

Wah-wah-taysee (after a pause). Then suppose you 
call yourself Wayaka. It means — "see beauty." 

Sylvia. Wayaka ! See beauty ! Oh, that's what I want 
to do always! (To herself.) Wayaka — it's wonderful. 
What will the girls say when I tell them? 

Wah-wah-taysee. Are they very interested? 

Sylvia (laughing). Interested! They're hysterical, and 
I don't blame them. Wouldn't you be surprised if a pink 
and white china doll suddenly came to life and began to 
take an interest in things? Why the ghost doesn't have a 
shadow of a chance since I've come into notice. 

Wah-wah-taysee (in surprise). The ghost ? 

Sylvia. Amy's ghost. I forgot to tell you about it. 
Amy saw it three successive nights and scared us all to 
death. We decided to keep watch, and we have, but it 
seems to have made "positively its last appearance," and 
poor Amy is the joke of the camp. 

Wah-wah-taysee. How long since — this — happened? 

Sylvia. Just two weeks. Why, Amy had barely fin- 
ished telling us when you came. (Dramatically.) Enter 
Wah-wah-taysee — and exit ghost! (Laughingly.) You're 
responsible for that, too, Firefly. 

Wah-wah-taysee (hastily). Have you told the girls, 
what you've been doing? 

Sylvia. Today I broke the news that I had walked a 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 23 

mile before breakfast, and that for five successive mornings 
I had done the same thing. They were speechless — that's 
all — and the fact that they were speechless is the greatest 
triumph I could have had. 

Wah-wah-taysee. What else? 

Sylvia. Yesterday I went canoeing with Marian and 
offered to paddle. She almost upset the canoe in her ex- 
citement, but she was good enough to say that I did it 
beautifully. 

Wah-wah-taysee (enthusiastically). You do! 

Sylvia (patting her hand). Just think who my teacher 
is ! Then last night we went on a picnic. I was allowed to 
build the fire and cook the bacon, and the girls almost lost 
their appetites watching me. Then, afterward, when we 
told stories, my Indian legends were voted the best of all. 

Wah-wah-taysee. Wait until they see the basket that 
you're making. 

Sylvia. Yes — and wait until they see me swim. Blue 
Bird's in the secret and we have our little plan all made 
out. She will pretend to go beyond her depth and I shall 
dash boldly to the rescue. Then, as the paralyzed specta- 
tors behold my masterful strokes, they are expected to 
faint, one by one. 

Wah-wah-taysee. You're having fun out of it all, 
aren't you? 

Sylvia. Fun? Why, I never knew what fun was until 
now. And to think that I've learned all these wonderful 
things in two weeks — for it's just been two weeks, hasn't it? 

Wah-wah-taysee. Just two weeks. 

Sylvia. It sounds like "French in Twenty Lessons" and 
"German While You Wait," doesn't it? I never have had 
much faith in short cuts, but my own brilliant career has 
made me change my mind. (Camp Fire call off stage. 
Wohelo! Wohelo! Wohelo!) There are the girls! They've 
been berrying. Hide my head band. (Wah-wah-taysee 
covers the head band and starts to rise.) Sit still, Firefly. 
I won't let you hurry off. (Wah-wah-taysee seats herself 
again.) 



24 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Enter all the girls at L. Amy and Marian, carrying a 
large pail of berries between them, are first to appear, and 
with a smile and greeting to Wah-wah-taysee and Sylvia 
they cross the stage and pass out at R. U. E. Dorothy 
and Emily, with smaller pails, follow, and Constance and 
Blue Bird bring up the rear. 

Emily (as she sinks at L. 2 E.). I know just how a trav- 
eler on the desert feels when he reaches an oasis. (Holds 
out pail to Blue Bird.) Here, child; I can't go another 
step; really, I can't. (Blue Bird takes pail.) 

Dorothy (reclining under tree L. U. E.). Dot, crushed 
to earth, will not rise again. (Extends pail.) One more 
won't inconvenience you, will it, Blue Bird? (Blue Bird 
sets down her own pail, takes Dorothy's and looks at the 
three helplessly.) 

Constance. After you've walked miles and miles, and 
miles and miles, you feel just like a machine. Watch me 
now. (Walks jerkily across the stage to R.) There! I 
knew that I couldn't last forever. (Rests on tree stump.) 
Blue Bird, I don't know how these berries will get to the 
cook unless you chaperon them. 

Sylvia (rising). You lazy old tramps! Don't you sup- 
pose that Blue Bird has feelings and feet as well as you? 

Emily (sighing). But she's young, Sylvia; so young, 
and her bones haven't had a chance to go back on her. 

Sylvia. We won't argue, will we, Blue Bird? (Picks 
up one pail and starts toward Constance.) If they want 
us to turn into pack-horses we'll do it without a word. 
(Takes Constance's pail and goes out R. U. E., follozved 
by Blue Bird with the other two pails.) 

Emily. Dot, you look like an Indian chief with those 
berry stains on your face. Wouldn't you take her for a 
long-lost brother, Firefly? 

Dorothy. Well, you're not spotless yourself. (Looks 
at her critically.) Measles, I should say — or maybe small- 
pox. 

Constance (groaning) . Smallpox is nothing compared 
to locomotor ataxia. I just know I have locomotor ataxia! 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 25 

Emily. Maybe it's the St. Vitus dance. 

Enter Sylvia and Blue Bird at R. U. E. 

Constance. Sylvia, would you say that Con has loco- 
motor ataxia or St. Vitus dance? 

Sylvia (sitting at C. with Blue Bird by her.) I refuse 
to admit that there's anything but good health in this par- 
ticular Camp Fire group. 

Dorothy (sarcastically). Oh, you do! How long since 
candy and indigestion were your best friends? 

Sylvia (meditatively). Candy! What does it look like? 
How does it taste? 

Constance. You ought to know, for a box came to 
you in yesterday's mail. 

Sylvia (sweetly). But I gave it to the cook, dear — ■ 
ribbons, gold seal and all ! If she falter in her duty, let the 
fault be mine. 

Blue Bird (snuggling close to Sylvia). I wish that you 
had gone berrying, Sylvia. 

Sylvia. And I would have gone if I hadn't had my 
lessons to do. 

Emily (zvith curiosity). Lessons? What lessons? 

Sylvia (gravely). Nature studies, you might call them. 

Constance (mockingly). "Study in summer time? Not 
much." I quote you, Sylvia. 

Sylvia (calmly). Hasn't a woman the right to change 
her mind? 

Dorothy. She has. Now tell us what you've learned. 

Sylvia. Well, this morning Firefly introduced me to all 
the birds, for I've had only a bowing acquaintance up to 
this time. (Rises and goes to trees, R. U. E.) There's a 
robin's nest up here (points) and a bluebird lives here 
(goes to trees, R. 2 E.), and the thrush and the sparrow 
and the oriole and the lark have all made friends with me. 

Emily. Surely it hasn't taken you all day to do that? 

Sylvia. Almost, though between introductions I did 
manage to chat with some flowers. There was a darling 
little Violet just like you, Blue Bird, and a pretty Dorothy 



26 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

rose which (slyly) had an occasional thorn ; and a Johnny- 
Jump-Up with a smile like Em's, and — (as Wah-wah- 
taysee rises and crosses to L.) you're not going, Firefly? 
(Wah-wah-taysee nods.) Then I'll go with you. (Fol- 
lows Wah-wah-taysee o/f stage at L.) 

Emily (after a significant pause in which each looks 
knowingly at the other). Well, what do you think of 
Sylvia ? 

Dorothy (crossly). "What do you think of Sylvia?" I 
do get so tired of that question. 

Constance. Nobody in the camp talks about anything 
else. 

Emily. Except the ghost — you forget the ghost. 

Constance (fervently) . I have forgotten it, thank good- 
ness ! I slept soundly last night for the first time in two 
weeks. 

Dorothy (impressively). To come back to the subject 
of Sylvia. 

Emily. How can we come back to what we haven't left? 

Dorothy. Don't be smarty. It's not so much Sylvia as 
the Indian I'm thinking of. 

Constance. I don't see how you can think of one with- 
out the other. They're never apart. 

Dorothy. That's just it. Whenever we come, she goes 
— and Sylvia follows. 

Constance. Did you notice that Firefly didn't address 
one single word to us? 

Emily. Maybe she didn't like my saying that Dot looks 
like an Indian chief. (Thoughtfully regarding Dorothy.) 
It is hard on the Indian chief ! 

Dorothy. There's something queer about her. She's 
simply bewitched Sylvia. 

Emily. But she's interested her as we couldn't do — you 
must acknowledge that. 

Dorothy. Interested her! Hypnotized her, you mean. 
It's magic, pure and simple. 

Emily. I didn't know that magic was ever pure and 
simple. 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 27 

Dorothy. Oh, you can joke if you want, but some day 
you'll see! {After a pause.) I don't even believe she's an 
Indian ! 

Constance. How silly of you ! What else could she be ? 

Dorothy {dramatically). An impostor! 

Emily. But why should she be imposing 'round this 
camp ? 

Constance {reluctantly). Well, I will say that I think 
it's strange Miss Ferris allows Sylvia to be with her so 
much. 

Blue Bird (whose agitation has been visibly 'increasing). 
Oh, you mustn't say such things about Firefly ! She's taught 
Sylvia so many things — wonderful things — and she's made 
her — oh, so different — and — 

Constance. Has taken her from her friends. 

Blue Bird. But she hasn't taken her from her friends ! 
Firefly wouldn't do anything so mean. 

Dorothy (crushingly) . That's just like you, Blue Bird 
— going back on us and standing up for that Indian. 

Enter Amy and Marian at R. U. E. 

Dorothy. An Indian, too! (Scornfully.) A plain, com- 
mon, everyday Indian. 

Emily. A moment ago you said she wasn't an Indian. 
Consistency isn't your strong point, my dear. 

Amy (seating herself on ground at C, with Marian on 
hillock. Talking of Firefly? Instead of a plain, common, 
everyday Indian, I'd call her a bewitching, unusual, story- 
book Indian. 

Marian. Who has changed Sylvia into a girl that any 
Camp Fire would be proud to claim. 

Dorothy {loftily). I won't argue the question, Amy, 
. for I've spent enough time and energy discussing your 
ghost. 

Emily (teasingly). How is the Lady in White, my dear? 

Constance. Give her my best regards when you see her. 

Amy. Don't humiliate me any more, girls, for I know 
you'll never forgive all the sleepless nights I've cause'd you. 



28 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Constance. Never mind, Amy, for I had a perfectly 
good snooze last night (yawning), even if I did wake up 
dead tired this morning. (Stretches out her foot.) It just 
can't be anything but locomotor ataxia ! 

Dorothy. Oh, yes it can — St. Vitus dance, you know. 

Emily. Or gout, Connie. Funny we didn't think of 
gout. 

Marian (seriously) . I wonder if you all realize that our 
last Council Fire comes tomorrow night. 

Amy. The summer has gone so quickly, hasn't it? So 
much has happened — 

Marian. And so much hasn't happened. (Pause.) 
Girls, where is Miss Marshall? 

Dorothy. "Where is Miss Marshall?" "Where is the 
ghost?" "What do you think of Sylvia?" Positively, this 
camp is just one big interrogation point! 

Marian. With the question about Miss Marshall always 
unanswered. 

Amy. If she can't come, why doesn't Miss Ferris tell 
us so? 

Marian. Instead of evading any discussion of the sub- 
ject. I can't understand it at all. 

Constance. Surely she wouldn't come now just as we're 
ready to break up camp. 

Emily. Why not? I think it would be a good send-off. 
We'd depart with flying colors — 

Dorothy. And rattling beads. 

Marian. Well, let's ask Miss Ferris again. 

Enter Miss Ferris and Sylvia at L. 

Miss Ferris. Ask Miss Ferris — what? (All but Con- 
stance rise.) 

Marian (promptly) . If Miss Marshall is coming. 

Miss Ferris. She is. In fact, she'll be with us for 
Council Fire tomorrow night. (Girls, including Sylvia, 
catch hands and circle around her.) How's that for news? 

Emily. Perfectly bully. I haven't had such a thrill 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 29 

since I heard about Amy's ghost. {Claps hand over 
mouth.) Oh, I forgot! 

Miss Ferris (quickly). Amy's ghost? Are you joking? 

Dorothy. We're not, but it was — 

Marian (drawing her toward the hillock). Come, hear 
about it. 

Miss Ferris. Is it as long a story as that? (Glances at 
the bundles in her arms.) I've lots to do and — (Blue 
Bird quietly relieves her of some of the bundles). 

Emily (on one side). Then hear it standing up — I'll 
support you if your knees knock together. 

Dorothy (on other side). And I'll fan you if you faint — 

Constance. And I'll tell the story. 

Amy. No, you won't. For it's all over. I must have 
dreamed it, and if it is a ghost it will never come again. 

Miss Ferris (laughing). Then if it will never come 
again, why should we worry? Cheer up, Amy, for the only 
ghosts which can haunt this camp are those of Poor Health, 
Idle Flands and Selfish Hearts, and by our Camp Fire in- 
cantation we'll banish all evil spirits. Now, which would 
you rather have — me or your supper? (Starts toward R. 
U. E.) Don't answer, for it might hurt my feelings. 
(Exit R. U. E. with Blue Bird.) 

Sylvia (drawing money from pocket). Here's some- 
thing for the camp treasury, Connie. I've been carrying it 
all day and forgetting to give it to you. (Throws it.) 
Catch ! 

Constance (as she catches it). Oh, dear! I wish you'd 
keep your old money, for now I'm obliged to get up and 
put it away and give you a receipt (rises) -, for if I don't 
something will be sure to happen. (Limps to R. U. E.) 

Emily (as she and Dorothy folloiv her). Where's the 
latest hiding place, Con? 

Dorothy. I'll wager she's forgotten it! 

Constance (turning at R. U. E.). Oh, you will, will 
you? Then you'll lose. (Exit R. U. E.) 

Amy (drawing Marian and Sylvia to L. 2 E. as Emily 



30 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

and Dorothy talk together at R. U. E.). Do you mind if 
I bring up the subject of the ghost again? 

Marian. Mind? Why should we? 

Sylvia. For my part, I've never been quite satisfied to 
drop it. A perfectly good ghost needs to be settled in one 
way or other. 

Amy. That's just what I want you to do. 

Marian. How? 

Amy. By watching once more with me tonight — not in 
the house, but here. 

Marian. But — Amy — 

Amy. It's foolish, I know; but I'll never be satisfied 
until I make this last effort. 

Sylvia. It's a real adventure. Count on me. 

Marian (after a moment). And on me. 

Amy. You're trumps — both of you. If we see nothing 
tonight, I'll be satisfied that I dreamed it all. {Emphat- 
ically.) No, I won't either; for I saw it — I know I did — 
and — 

Emily (coming to C. with Dorothy). Dear me, aren't 
we exclusive? 

Dorothy. And don't we like to have secrets from other 
people ? 

Sylvia (joining them). No secret at all, unless you call 
the ghost of a secret. 

Constance appears at R. U. E. and comes slowly to C. 
She bears every sign of being panic stricken. 

Sylvia. Why, Constance, what on earth is the matter? 

Constance (gasping). It's gone ! 

Marian (rushing to her). What's gone? 

Constance. The money box! 

Marian (soothingly). Oh, no, it isn't. You've just for- 
gotten where you put it last. 

Constance. I haven't forgotten. I know — that is I 
thought — (wringing hands) oh, it's gone — gone — and it's 
my fault — 

Amy (crossing and placing her arm around Constance's 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 31 

shoulder). Now, Con, don't get excited, but tell us quietly 
just what has happened. 

Constance (composing herself with an effort). I've had 
this last hiding place for a week and I didn't mean to 
change — ever. It's under a loose plank in the floor and all 
covered by the rug. 

Amy (encouragingly). That makes a splendid cubby- 
hole. Now go on. 

Constance. Last night the box was there. I remember 
looking just before I crawled in bed and feeling nervous 
for fear it wasn't the best place. Today I've been too busy 
to think about it until just now, when — (hysterically) — 
oh, it's gone — it's gone — it's my fault — and I won't even 
get my bead ! 

Amy. Of course you'll get your bead, for if you are 
sure you had the box in that particular place, it must have 
been taken out by somebody else. 

Constance. You mean — stolen? 

Amy. Of course. What other explanation is there? 

Marian. But nobody else knows that it was hidden 
there. 

Amy. Somebody must know. 

Marian. And there has been no one in camp except 
ourselves and cook. 

Amy (quickly). Cook's honesty can't be questioned. 

Dorothy (suddenly). Girls! (Pauses and hesitates.) 

Amy. Well? 

Dorothy. We all know of some one who has gone in 
and out of our camp for two weeks — who has had every 
chance to see what we do — to know where we go — to listen 
to our plans. 

Marian (hesitatingly). You mean — 

Dorothy. Firefly. 

Sylvia. Firefly take the money? Impossible. How dare 
you say it — or think it ! 

Dorothy. After all, Sylvia, she is an Indian, and we 
know nothing of her except what she chooses to tell.- 

Sylvia (excitedly). If you knew her as I know her — 



32 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Dorothy. But we don't — that's the point. We must 
admit that she has never cared to be with us. 

Amy (hastily). Constance, you see how important it is 
to remember the exact hiding place. Now think — and think 
hard. Did you at any time change this hiding place? 

Constance. Oh, Amy, I didn't — I didn't — I'm sure — 
sure. Oh, I never was more sure of anything! 

Amy (moving to R. U. E.). Then we must lay it all 
before Miss Ferris. (All but Sylvia follow slowly.) 

Sylvia. Oh, girls, don't lose your faith in Firefly — don't 
believe this dreadful thing about her ! She couldn't stoop 
to a dishonest act — she couldn't have an unworthy thought. 
She's true and good and — (as they all go out at R. U. E.) 
oh, I won't believe it — I won't believe it ! 

Enter Blue Bird at L. 

Blue Bird (coming up behind Sylvia). Oh, Sylvia, 
she's gone — she's gone away! 

Sylvia (turning) Who's gone away? 

Blue Bird. Firefly. 

Sylvia. How do you know? 

Blue Bird. I saw her — out there — (pointing off L.) 
at the edge of the woods. She was going without a word 
of goodbye. 

Sylvia. Did she send me no message? 

Blue Bird. She said — (hesitates). 

Sylvia (eagerly). Yes? 

Blue Bird. To tell you that you had found the treasure. 

Sylvia (to herself). That I had found the treasure — 
the treasure ! 

(Curtain is lowered for a moment to indicate a passage 
of several hours.) 

Curtain rises on Sylvia seated at R. 2 E. and Amy and 
Marian walking up and down R. Stage is dark save for 
the electric flashlights which the girls carry. 

Amy (clutching Marian). Did you hear a noise? 

Sylvia. Just my teeth — they're chattering like castanets. 
(Amy and Marian continue to walk up and down.) 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 33 

Marian (stopping in her walk). Something touched me 
then. 

Sylvia. My courage, maybe — it's oozing fast. (Rises 
and crosses to L. 2 E.) 

Marian. What time is it, Amy? 

Amy (flashing her light on a wrist watch). It hasn't 
been ten minutes since you asked me last. 

Marian. It seems — hours. I wish that ghosts walked 
on scheduled time. (Sits on stump at R. 2 E.) 

Sylvia. Maybe the modern ghost does. 

Marian (nervously). Listen — what was that? 

Sylvia. My heart doing double time and slipping a cog 
— don't get excited. 

Marian. I know I heard a rustle. 

Sylvia. Ghosts don't rustle. 

Marian (turning and catching hold of Amy). Amy, 
what would we do if it did appear? 

Amy. Catch it, of course. 

Marian. But how can you catch something that isn't? 
Don't you remember the ghost we read about in Vergil, 
and how she slipped into nothingness every time Aeneas 
tried to put his arm around her? 

Sylvia. That was a proof of her good behavior, my dear, 
not her nothingness. 

Amy. Anyway, I believe that my ghost is a somebody, 
not a something. I — 

Sylvia (in a tone in which horror and bewilderment are 
mingled). Girls! (Points to R. U. E., where a white- 
robed figure, wearing a long, floating veil is standing.) 

Amy (excitedly). Now was I mistaken! Now did I 
dream it! 

Marian (rising). Hush! It's moving! 

(The figure crosses slowly to L. and as the girls stand 
in trembling uncertainty it reaches the hollow tree at L. U. 
E., reaches into it and draws out a box.) 

Sylvia (in a zvhisper). I'm going nearer — I must know 



34 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

what it is! (Goes close to the figure, lifts the veil and peers 
into its face.) Girls! It's Connie! Connie! 

Amy (starting forward). Connie! It can't be! 

Sylvia. It is — and she's walking in her sleep. 

Marian (excitedly, pointing). Look what she's carry- 
ing! The money box! 

Amy. Then she hid it herself. 

Sylvia. Exactly. (Shakes Constance lightly.) Wake 
up, Connie, wake up. (Constance slowly opens her eyes 
and looks dazedly around.) 

Constance. Why am I — here? What has happened? 
(As she recognizes the girls.) Amy! Marian! Sylvia! 

Amy (leading her down C. to front of stage). You've 
been walking in your sleep, Connie. 

Constance (still dazed). I don't understand. Is it a 
joke? 

Marian. It's a joke on us, for you're the ghost! 

Constance (fully awake). The — what? 

Marian. The ghost. Look ! We've caught you — long 
white bath robe, floating automobile veil and all! 

Constance. You mean — 

Amy (laughing). That your passion for exercise ex- 
tended into the wee, small hours of the night. No wonder 
you're tired when you wake up in the morning. 

Constance. But why didn't you catch me before this ? 
Just think of the nights when we all kept watch. 

Marian. Silly ! How could you keep watch and play 
the ghost at the same time ! 

Sylvia. You haven't noticed what you're holding. 

Constance. My money box! Where did it come from? 

Sylvia. The hollow tree — where you had carefully hid- 
den it. 

Constance (indignantly) . I didn't hide it there. 

Amy. Oh, yes you did — last night. You said it was the 
first time in two weeks you had slept soundly. 

Sylvia. And you were worrying over the hiding place 
just before you went to sleep — so — 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 35 

Marian. Yon immediately transferred the box to the 
hollow tree. See? 

Constance. Oh, girls! Isn't it dreadful? Just think 
how I've been tearing 'round the country — like this. Why, 
I might have been murdered — 

Marian. Or stolen — 

Amy. Or shot — 

Sylvia. Or arrested ! 

Constance. What do people do to ghosts, anyway? 

Sylvia. They lay them. 

Constance. Lay them — where? 

Sylvia {catching Constance's arm). In bed; don't 
they, girls? Come along. {Hurries her to R., followed by 
others.) 

Curtain. 



Act III. 
Scene: Same as Acts I and II. 

At rise, stage is clear and not illuminated, since it is 
night. After a moment the Camp Fire girls enter in single 
file, wearing the ceremonial costume and carrying lighted 
lanterns. Miss Ferris leads the line, follozvcd by the others 
in this order: Amy, Marian, Emily, Constance, Dorothy, 
Sylvia and Blue Bird. Emily, Constance and Dorothy 
bear fagots of wood; Miss Ferris, Amy, Marian and 
Sylvia each carry an unlighted candle. Miss Ferris takes 
her place in the circle, back of C, by hillock, and each girl 
as she enters the circle makes the hand sign of fire (flat- 
tening fingers of right hand against those of left, raising" 
the right hand and following the curves of flame), at the 
same time that the Guardian makes it, then sits down in* 
her place in the circle. After all arc seated. Miss Ferris 
sits on hillock with Amy at her left and Blue Bird at her 
right. 

After a moment Emily. Constance and Dorothy rise 
and arrange the fagots in a triangle at C. Amy steps for- 



56 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

zvard and lights the fire by rubbing two sticks of wood 
together as all repeat the Ode to Fire. 

All (standing). Oh, Fire! 

Long years ago when our fathers fought with great 

animals you were their protection ; 
When they needed food you changed the flesh of beasts 

into savory meat for them ; 
During all the ages your mysterious flame has been a 

symbol to them for spirit; 
So (tonight), we light our fire in remembrance of the 
Great Spirit who gave you to us. 

(All but Miss Ferris scat themselves. Amy rises, places 
candle L. of fire ; Marian places candle in front of fire 
at C; Sylvia places candle at R. of fire, and as each fin- 
ishes her task she returns to her place in the circle. Miss 
Ferris lights the candle which she carries, hands it to Dor- 
othy, who steps R. of C. and kneels on one knee.) 

Dorothy. I light the light of Work — for Wohelo means 
work. (Lights candle R. of C.) 

All. Wohelo means work. We glorify work because 
through work we are free. We work to win, to conquer, 
to be masters. We work for the joy of the working and 
because we are free. Wohelo means work. 

(Dorothy returns to her position after handing the candle 
to Miss Ferris. Miss Ferris hands candle to Constance, 
who steps to C. and kneels on one knee.) 

Constance. I light the light of Health — for Wohelo 
means health. (Liglits candle in front of fire.) 

All. Wohelo means health. We hold on to health be- 
cause through, health we serve and are happy. In caring 
for the health and beauty of our persons, we are caring 
for the very shrine of the Great Spirit. Wohelo means 
health. 

(Constance hands candle to Miss Ferris and returns to 
her position. Miss Ferris hands candle to Emily, who 
steps L. of C. and kneels on one knee.) 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 37 

EMILY. I light the light of Love— for Wohelo means 
love. (Lights candle L. of C.) 

All. Wohelo means love. We love love, for love is 
life and light and joy and sweetness. And love is comrade- 
ship and motherhood and fatherhood and all dear kinship. 
Love is the joy of service, so deep that self is forgotten. 
Wohelo means love. 

(Emily hands candle to Miss Ferris and returns to her 
former position. Miss Ferris extinguishes candle and 
places it beside her.) 

Miss Ferris (calling roll). Kee-wee? 
Amy. Kolah. 
Miss Ferris. Disyadi? 
Marian. Kolah. 
Miss Ferris. Minnehaha ? 
Emily. Kolah. 
Miss Ferris. Gaoh? 
Constance. Kolah. 
Miss Ferris. To-he-ha? 
Dorothy. Kolah. 

Miss Ferris. Kee-wee will read us the count of our 
last ceremonial. (Sits.) 
Amy (rising and reading). 

Hear the sighing of the pine trees, 
Listen to the rippling waters, 
Heed the glimmer of the sunshine, 
Ye who wish, to know the story 
Of the maidens by the Camp Fire. 

For the pine trees, tall and stately, 
Whisper "Faithfully they've labored 
In each homely, common duty; 
Finding beauty by the roadside, 
Finding romance and adventure 
In the tasks they chose to master. 
Work has laid its charm upon them." 
Then the music of the waters 
Murmurs "Bv the lake thev've wandered, 



38 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

Beautiful in strength and vigor, 

Happy in the outdoor freedom, 

Eager to know Mother Nature, 

Health their watchword and their glory." 
While the sunshine as it glimmers 
Through the green and leafy branches, 
Sings, "My brightness is reflected 
In the hearts of all the maidens, 
Bringing love for one another, 
Love for all the world without them." 

Silent grow the faithful pine trees, 

Quiet lie the rippling waters, 

Snowflakes drive away the sunshine. 

Yet we hear their gentle message — 

"Come again to us next summer, 

Meet once more in happy council 

'Round the steady flame of friendship." (Sits.) 
Miss Ferris (rising). 

Kee-wee's words will linger with us 

In the months that are to follow, 

And Disyadi will continue 

All the record of achievement 

When we meet again in Council. 

(Changes to a conversational tone.) There is a Camp 
Fire rule that Blue Birds may never speak in a meeting of 
this kind. Tonight, as I signal you for the kind deeds you 
have done, I break the rule and ask our Owaissa to be the 
first to tell us of what her busy hands have accomplished. 
(Girls softly applaud.) 

Blue Bird (without rising). I have never refused to do 
what has been asked me. 

Miss Ferris. And thereby have helped others. (Ad- 
dressing circle.) Quickly now around the circle — without 
rising. What kind deeds have been done since the last 
Council? (Nods to Sylvia.) 

Sylvia. I have helped cook on busy days by setting the 
table and washing the dishes. 






THE CALL OF WOHELO 39 

Miss Ferris. And at the same time have given Yourself 
a knowledge of practical and necessary things. 

Dorothy. I made myself a shirtwaist and then gave it 
to someone who needed it more than I. 

Miss Ferris. It is always a great thing to cultivate un- 
selfishness. 

Constance. By playing the ghost — even if I didn't 
mean to do it — I have proved to the girls that they should 
never believe in the supernatural. 

Miss Ferris (stifling a smile). A worth while lesson. 

Emily. Each day I have taken care of a baby in the 
village so that the mother could rest. 

Miss Ferris. And there is no more beautiful service 
than that to a little child. 

Marian. I have been teaching some of the village girls 
all of the splendid out-of-door sports which have meant 
so much to me. 

Miss Ferris. And thereby have learned the joy of shar- 
ing happiness with others. 

Amy. And I have written to a number of city "shut-ins" 
telling them of our Camp Fire life. 

Miss Ferris. And doubtless enclosing a ray of sunshine, 
a whiff of fresh air and the spicy odor of pine trees. 
(Pauses for a moment and addresses them all.) Tonight 
there are many honors to bestow and many beads to deck 
your ceremonial gowns. The red bead of health — the or- 
ange of home — the blue of nature lore — the brown of camp 
— the green of hand craft — the yellow of business — the red, 
white and blue of patriotism — all have been justly and 
beautifully won. Our Wood Gatherers are waiting to be- 
come Fire Makers ; our trusty Fire Maker is ready for the 
steady leadership of the Torch Bearer. It is to be a won- 
derful and memorable ceremony, and it is fitting that the 
presiding genius shall be one who has given so much of 
herself to Camp Fire work. 

Amy (impulsively). Miss Marshall! 

Miss Ferris. Miss Marshall. At last she is with us and 



40 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

I shall summon her by the same magic that brought Wah- 
wah-taysee to you. (Snaps fingers.) 

Wah-wah-taysee enters at L., comes quickly around to 
Miss Ferris and stands at her left. She wears her Indian 
costume and carries a basket of bright colored beads. The 
girls gaze at her in amazement. 

Sylvia (half rising). Firefly! 

Wah-wah-taysee. Yes — Firefly — tonight, for the last 
time. Tomorrow I'll be Margaret Marshall to you, and 
(laughing) I won't be so dark as I'm painted. 

Amy. But, Miss Marshall, why did you come to us like 
this? 

Marian. And why haven't we been given the chance to 
know you? 

Miss Ferris. Answer them, Margaret, in your own 
way. (Sits.) 

Wah-wah-taysee. Then I shall tell a fairy story — 
with a true, true ending — and I think you will all under- 
stand. (Pauses.) Once upon a time there was a little prin- 
cess in whom there lay great possibilities. The good fairies 
who clustered around her cradle gave her many wonderful 
gifts, but a spiteful elf touched her eyes and made a wish 
that she should never see the good and beautiful in com- 
mon, everyday things. As the princess grew older, those 
who loved her grieved because so much of life's true mean- 
ing was taken from her, and, finally, one who was near to 
her heart felt that the evil spell might be broken by a cer- 
tain Indian maid. (Pauses.) 

Blue Bird. Oh, go on with the story, Miss Marshall. 
Go on! 

Miss Ferris. Has it a meaning for you, Blue Bird? 

Blue Bird (softly). Oh, yes, yes! 

Wah-wah-taysee. The Indian told the princess that 
she must search for a great treasure, and the princess, fas- 
cinated by the mystery of it all, began to yield to the magic 
which the Indian sought to cast upon each daily task — 
upon each, object in the great out-of-door world. Slowly 
the evil spell was lifted ; little by little the eyes of the prin- 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 41 

cess beheld wonderful and marvelous things, and ere she 
realized it she had found the treasure — the treasure that 
can never be taken away, that is more precious than jewels, 
that brings joy and peace and contentment. 

Miss Ferris (softly). And the treasure? 

Wah-wah-taysee. Was threefold. For she discovered 
that beauty, romance and adventure lie in the daily work 
which makes for the training of character ; that out-of-door 
habits bring the priceless gift of health, and that happy 
comradeship, service for others and forgetfulness of self 
mean a deep and lasting love. 

Miss Ferris (rising). The little fairy story brings its 
own understanding, doesn't it? And now — because it is a 
happy night for all of us — because we are justly proud of 
the one in our midst who has so beautifully learned the 
Camp Fire spirit — I ask that, before the bestowal of your 
honors, we admit this member to the rank of Wood Gath- 
erer. Shall it be so? 

All (clapping hands). Yes — oh, yes! 

Wah-wah-taysee. Sylvia? (Sylvia comes forward and 
stands before Wah-wah-taysee.) Is it your desire to 
become a Wood Gatherer? 

Sylvia. It is. 

Wah-wah-taysee. You have met with every require- 
ment ? 

Sylvia. I have. 

Wah-wah-taysee. Tell us your choice of name. 

Sylvia. Wayaka. It means — see beauty. 

Wah-wah-taysee. And your symbol? 

Sylvia. The crescent moon. It signifies growth— and it 
is my wish to grow in knowledge. 

Wah-wah-taysee. W r ohelo means work. What have 
your hands been taught to do? 

Sylvia. Many things I never knew before— cooking, 
sewing, cleaning. 

Wah-wah-taysee (holding up the basket). And the 
basket which holds these beads. (Holds up head band.) 



42 THE CALL OF WOHELO 

And the head band which I shall soon place upon you. 
Has not the work brought a satisfaction? 

Sylvia. The satisfaction of doing for myself what oth- 
ers have always done for me. 

Wah-wah-taysee. Wohelo means health. What have 
you done that has brought you health ? 

Sylvia. I have learned to swim, to row, to walk, to build 
a fire. I know the birds, the flowers. And — (hesitates) 
Wah-wah-taysee. Yes ? 

Sylvia (smiling). I have seen the enemy Candy over- 
come by the giant, Wholesome Appetite. 

Wah-wah-taysee. Wohelo means love. What has your 
heart to say? 

Sylvia. That true happiness comes only from thought 
of others. 

Wah-wah-taysee. Kneel. (Sylvia kneels.) I crown 
you with achievement (places head band upon her) and I 
bestow upon you this mark of honor (throws necklace 
over her shoulders). The red bead is for the habits of 
health and vigor which you have formed ; the orange rep- 
resents your knowledge of home tasks; the blue will bring 
to mind all the beautiful nature lore which you have so 
enjoyed; the brown stands for the secrets of the woods 
which have become yours; the green is a silent tribute to 
your clever hand craft. Rise. (Sylvia rises.) 

(Wah-wah-taysee places fingers of right hand across 
those of left. Sylvia makes the same sign. Wah-wah- 
taysee slips the Wood Gatherer's ring from her own finger 
upon Sylvia's and holds her hand as she repeats.) 
As fagots are brought from the forest 
Firmly held by the sinews which bind them, 
So cleave to these others, your sisters, 
Whenever, wherever you find them. 
Be strong as the fagots are sturdy, 
Be pure in your deepest desire ; 
Be true to the truth that is in you 
And — follow the law of the fire! 



THE CALL OF WOHELO 43 

All (rise, place right hands over their hearts and repeat). 
This law of fire 
I will strive to follow 
With all the strength 
And endurance of my body, 
The power of my will. 
The keenness of my mind, 
The warmth, of my heart 
And the sincerity of my spirit. 

Curtain. 



Parlor Matches 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 
Price, 25 Cents 

An engaging comedy of society, 2 acts; 4 males, 5 females. 
Time, iy 2 hours. Scene: 1 simple interior. Characters: Vance 
Trelford, a professional hero, who doesn't want to be engaged. 
Don Radey, his cousin, a serious young man, engaged, thank you. 
Ferdinand Poppleton, a frivolous young man, likewise engaged. 
Jorkes, the butler, who may or may not be engaged. Mrs. Seltoon, 
who believes in engagements. Margaret Seltoon, her elder daugh- 
ter, engaged to Mr. Radey. Suzanne Seltoon, her younger daughter, 
engaged to Mr. Poppleton. Gail Lawrence, her ward, engaging 
and eventually engaged. Abigail Mullen, A. B., her maid, tem- 
porarily engaged, as it were. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — A morning in June at Solitaire Villa, Dovecote. Mrs. 
Seltoon smooths out the course of true love. "Whoever heard 
of a grass widow playing a heroine in a love scene?" "Oh, it's 
one of the best things they do." Mrs. Seltoon seeking a man for 
her niece. "What is his yearly income?" The butler's opinion 
of a woman A. B. "Near-sighted, men's shoes, short bedrabbled 
skirts, last year's hat and a banner saying Votes for Women!" 
The new maid who is a graduate from the Splinterville Normal. 
The moving picture hero. "Women make me nervous. I always 
keep out of their way." Symptoms of hydrophobia. "I bark, bow- 
wow-wow!" "His father is in oil and vinegar." "Is it a new kind 
of a bath?" Gail announces her engagement to the moving pic- 
ture hero. "He's here in town!" "Fall, O walls, and crush me!" 

Act II. — A dinner party. Ferdy decides to enlist in the army. 
A reconciliation. Abigail and Adrian Lee of the movies. "Those 
eyes, that nose, it's him?" "I've seen you propose in white 
flannels, in feathers, in full evening clothes, in a sailor suit, 
and in the garbage of a monk, and every time you've won her in 
the end." Gail and her fiancee. That odious Mr. Trelford. Din- 
ner is served. Vance Trelford learns that he is engaged. "I ex- 
pected it all along." "Yes, I begin to think that I did it myself." 

Sewing for the Heathen 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 
Price, 15 Cents 

Entertainment for 9 ladies, either young or middle-aged. Time, 
40 minutes. Can be played on any stage or platform, or even in 
any room. Very refined. Suitable for church or any society. Char- 
acters: Mrs. Judd, the hostess. Mrs. Chester, the president. Mrs. 
R. B. Powers, the stranger. Grandma Gibbs, deaf but persistent. 
Miss Luella Huggins, so sentimental. Mrs. Strong, a suffragist. 
Mrs. Meeker, gentle and good. Mrs. Day, a bride. Meely, the 
hired girl. SYNOPSIS. 

An anxious hostess. Meely wants to serve winny-wurst sand- 
wiches and noodle soup. The mystery of the jardeniere. The 
President arrives before she is expected. "It was her hair; she 
hadn't got it all on yet." Red flannels for the Hottentots in the 
middle of Africa. A stranger in town, the rich Mrs. Powers. A 
trip down town. Grandma Gibbs and her ear-trumpet. The rich 
Mrs. Powers is mistaken for the dressmaker. The meeting of the 
society. A little tiff. The giddy Miss Huggins is late as usual. 
A present from the men. ."Sewing for the Heathen." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



M. F. 

Winning Widow, 2 acts, V/ 2 hrs. 

(25c) 2 4 

Women Who Did, 1 hr...(25c) 17 
Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 

FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc. 

All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 
Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 
Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 
Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Country Justice, 15 min 8 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 

Divided Attentions, 35 min 1 4 

Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min.... 4 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 

For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 
Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 
Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 
Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min.. 12 
Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 
I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 2 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 
Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 
Is the Editor In? 20 min... 4 2 
Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min 8 

Mike Donovan's Courtship, 15 m. 1 3 
Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 
Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 8 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 2 

My Wife's Relations, 1 hr 4 6 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Pat,, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 
Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 

Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 

Second Childhood, IS min 2 2 

Shadows, 35 min 2 2 

Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 7 
Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Turn Him_ Out, 35 min 3 2 

Two Aunts' and a Photo, 20 m. - 4 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 
Two Ghosts in White, 20 min. . 8 

Two of a" Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min.. 3 2 
Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 
Wanted a Hero, 20 min 1 1 



M. F. 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Baby, 25 min 8 

Yankee Peddler, 1 hr 7 3 

VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, MON- 
OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

Ax'in' Her Father, 25 min 2 3 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.10 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min .•••• 2 * 

Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 
Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 
Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.14 

Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 

Darktown Fire Brigade, 25 min. 10 

Doings of a Dude, 20 min 2 1 

Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 

For Reform, 20 min 4 

Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min ..21 
Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 1 1 
Good Mornin' Judge, 35 min.. 9 2 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

Home Run, 15 min 1 i 

Jumbo Jum, 30 min 4 3 

Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 

Memphis Mose, 25 min 5 1 

Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 4 2 

Mistaken Miss, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min.... 1 1 

Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 2 

One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 
Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min.. 4 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10m. 1 

Pickles for Two, 15 min 2 

Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 2 
Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 

Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 2 

Si and I, 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 1 5 min 2 

Stage Struck Darky, 10 min.. 2 1 
Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min '• . 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 
Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 

Umbrella Mender, 15 min 2 

Uncle Jeff, 25 min 5 2 

What Happened to Hannah, 15m. 1 1 



A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Catalogue 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



POPULAR ENTERT/J 

Price, Illustrated Paper C 




I 



N this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attrac t i v e 
individual cov- 
er design. 



A Partiil List 

DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Brand new, original. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 



ig2»* CONGRESS 

fPBHi 

?„?} 8 604 642 Jl 



Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, pr o s e, 
poetry. 15 Nos., per No. 25c 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exercises, recitations. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags,* etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers ,154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



